In a dramatic turn in Nigeria’s fight against cybercrime, the Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted 21 foreign nationals for their involvement in a sophisticated web of cybercrime, money laundering, and immigration violations. Each convict was fined ₦1 million and ordered to leave the country within six working days.
Presiding over the case, Justice Ekerete Akpan delivered the ruling based on a plea bargain agreement entered between the convicts and the Nigeria Police Force. The judge emphasized that the plea deal was entered into voluntarily, and that sentencing was guided strictly by the agreed terms. The convicted individuals must pay the fine before their release and leave the country immediately after.
In addition to the fines and deportation order, Justice Akpan directed that all electronic devices and tools used in the commission of the crimes be forfeited to the Nigerian government further reinforcing the state’s zero-tolerance stance on digital offenses.
These 21 are part of a much larger group of 109 foreign nationals being prosecuted by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for crimes linked to cyber fraud, illicit financial flows, and national security breaches. The accused hail from countries such as China, Indonesia, Brazil, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand.
Initially arraigned in 2024 on a six-count charge, the defendants had pleaded not guilty and were held at the Kuje and Keffi Correctional Centres pending fulfillment of their stringent bail conditions. Those bail terms, imposed in November 2024, included ₦1 billion in bail per individual and five sureties with ₦200 million worth of property each.
Investigations by the police revealed that the group was operating out of a property in Abuja’s Katampe District, where they allegedly ran a fraudulent and unregistered online gaming platform. Their charges ranged from unauthorized access to computer networks and the input of false data to laundering criminal proceeds and overstaying temporary business permits.
The convicted individuals include Yang Yang, Li Xiao Fen, Zheng Peng Zhan, Shu Huan, Jupanpan, Feng Guo, Zhao Yifan, Mahunan, Wang Yi Bo, Chen Yan Qi, and Shi Hao Jie, represented by counsel Linda Ikpeazu. Others include Xiejang Bing, Zheng Jian Feng, Zheng Peng Fei, Wei Tang, Wang Hao, Cheng Xing, Yang Xu Gung, Zhu Jiu Hui, Xhou Kia Lai, and Tue Xue Fie, represented by Julius Mba.
Each now faces not only financial penalties but the loss of access to Nigerian territory, bringing a swift close to their chapter in what authorities say is an ongoing investigation into transnational cybercrime.
The court has adjourned proceedings to October 22 and 23 for the continuation of the trial involving the remaining 88 defendants, as Nigeria moves steadily to dismantle what may be one of the largest foreign cybercrime networks operating within its borders.